An unofficial news blog for Neil Young fans from Thrasher's Wheat with concert and album updates, reviews, analysis, and other Rock & Roll ramblings. Separating the wheat from the chaff since 1996.
"Neil Young released a new version of the song ‘Sign of Love’ from his current ‘Le Noise’ yesterday, with special guest drummer — Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters — added to the mix of this previously guitar and vocals-only track."
by Thrasher Wheat@PermaLink: 5/27/2011 08:43:00 PM
25 comments
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Freeze said...
Hey guys, you can hear Grey Riders on ultimateclassicrock.com
said...
Sounded nice
one of eleventhousand
said...
Totally awesome
said...
Definitely NOT the same guitar and vocal mix on the album, but likely the same performance (neil did do a few takes, which were all recorded). The Howard/lanois sonic treatments are noticeably absent/reduced in the mix, which suits this drum-in version. The guitar mix also sounded slightly different, with more mids and a stronger fuzz coming from the deluxe. sorta moot, though. Its different, and it rocks. Neil is God.
Shawn said...
Where can I buy this track?
said...
Neil Young and the International Harvesters hit single Grey Riders is available on iTunes and Amazon!
Is this version of "Sign of Love" only on that site?
Does Neil know it has been released?
Grey Riders is awesome.
punkdavid said...
I'm intrigued, if not terribly impressed, by this track. My primary criticism is just that I thought Sign of Love was the weakest song on Le Noise, and adding dubbed in drums doesn't really add much to the product.
The website says that Neil "has released" this. Where? On that one website that I'd never heard of before this? Is it going to be on iTunes? On Neil's new website as a pay or free download? On a single to radio? Does Neil know he "has released" this song?
This reminds me of the "Flying on the Ground" version that was "released" on youtube a year or so ago, which sounded very much like a full band Buffalo Springfield recording with Neil on vocals. A VERY exciting find, if it were real. A more careful listen revealed that it was the same basic acoustic guitar and vocal demo that appeared on the BS Box Set and The Archives, with overdubbed guitars, bass and drums, played in a very good impression of Buffalo Springfield's style. Tricked me at first, I'll admit.
BecauseSoundMatters said...
I also do think it's a hoax!
Two words: Grey Riders
Thrasher said...
@punkdavid - good questions. no clue. let us know what you find out.
@BSM - why do think so? yes on GR!
punkdavid said...
Well, there certainly is one frequent poster on this blog who knows whether the track is legit or not. Shall we just wait for him to post, or send him a note?
said...
A hoax.
Why? Because it sounds like sh*t. It's mixed so poorly, and Grohl is a better drummer than this anyhow.
- vertigone
BIGCHIEF said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Archives Guy said...
Yes this is a real track with Dave Grohl on drums.
coming out as a single.
speculation over...
bring on the evaluation.
enjoy.
Archives Guy
Jonathan said...
I've always thought that the entire 'Le Noise' approach is giving longtime fans of Neil's writing a peek inside what it's like before a band is introduced to the songs.
With Pearl Jam covering 'Walk with Me' at last year's Bridge and now this, it seems to be coming to pass - if not only in tiny steps.
There's no reason Neil couldn't take the 'Le Noise' material to an entirely different level with a full band.
BecauseSoundMatters said...
"speculation over...
bring on the evaluation."
Mp3's are hard to evaluate... you know that... except for Grey Riders of course...
Well, well, it's real after all. it kind of surprises me, but okay, Neilvana never sounded better!
Jill said...
After just one listening I can`t say it does anything for me. The drums sound too separate from Neil`s sound and it doesnt`t seem to gel, but maybe that`s because I`m so used to hearing the Le Noise version. But on the other hand I`m happy to give it longer to let it grow on me. I always admire Neil`s willingness to take a chance and try something new, so let`s see where he wants to take us...
Thrasher said...
Hello Mr Archives Guy,
Nice to hear from you with a confirmation of authenticity. You know how these crazy internets can be sometimes...
We think anytime anyone has the opportunity to blend, mix and record is a pretty cool deal.
Just look at Redlight King's career boost from the Old Man rap re-mix.
It's all good cause it's all one song...
t
said...
I don't understand all the harsh words for this version of the song. It totally rocks. Grohl's drumming sounds great, Neil's vocals are interesting on this one. Love it! Grohl does a good job of working around Neil's irregular timing. Sounds organic in its imperfection. The drums add so much. I love both versions.
punkdavid said...
OK, so it's legit. Is there any information about how this collaboration came to be? Would seem to be an interesting story.
Word verification: cryin
Who's gonna dry, your cryin eyes?
said...
To me, the drums bring this song to life. I frankly don't care for Le Noise at all. Indeed, I can barely listen to it because I keep waiting for the drums to kick in and the songs to take off. I hope that they do this with some other, stronger songs on the album. Could be great.
said...
Wow, I can't believe it's real. It sounds like someone with Garage Band software banging along to the track. This is disappointing, seems like it was thrown together. Why not do something new with Grohl?
- vertigone
Jim said...
Drums are exactly what "Le Noise" was missing! I never listen to that album, as it's just not very exciting to me with electric guitars all over the place, yet no drums. :/
I full band would've really made Le Noise great. Hearing the drums on Sign of Love make it easier to imagine that. :D
Jim said...
A full band***
said...
I can't imagine how much fun it would be for a musician to be asked to do something like this!
I think we pretty much imagined it would sound like this, don't you think?
What's next? Horn section?
Mother Nature on the Run said...
Alto and Tenor Sax...
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